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PHILIPSBURG – Minister Richinel Brug (Public Health, Social Development and Labor) states in a press release that the allegations against his chef de cabinet Suëna Laville-Martis “must always be taken seriously,” but he stops short of offering his opinion on the situation.
Instead, Minister Brug emphasized his commitment “to transparency while reaffirming that the work of the ministry continues without interruption. Matters concerning integrity and public accountability must always be treated with seriousness and addressed through the appropriate channels.”
In the meantime, Brug has asked the Integrity Chamber to investigate “matters that have taken place within the ministry since I assumed office.”
In the same press release the minister addresses a host of other issues, lime the implementation of the Health in All Policies Approach. This is designed to make sure that public health considerations are integrated in all policies and initiatives. Minister Brug notes that this approach recognizes that health outcomes are not only influenced by healthcare services but also by social conditions, employment opportunities, food security and community wellbeing.
During a recent visit to Colombia, minister Brug established relationships with medical institutions and professionals that are already registered in the European BIG registry. “This makes is easier for qualified healthcare professionals to meet the legal requirements for working in St. marten and help address the ongoing workforce shortages,” the press release states. One of the options is the deployment of rotating physicians at the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Furthermore, the ministry continues working on the establishment of a framework for General Health Insurance, the establishment of a Healthcare Professionals Registry and strengthening of mental health services. .
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